As much as I love Canada, I just can’t stand the idea of spending another winter here. As much as I like my job, I just can’t teach another minute. As much as I love my normal life, I need some freedom.
We are going traveling.
On December 9th, we will fly from Ottawa to Toronto. And then, from Toronto to Newark. We will arrive in Panamá City, Panamá, late at night.
Panamá. Of all places. I didn’t think I would ever go back there.
We don’t have any plans. We are going to pack for a few months. From Panamá City, we plan to go North, to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. We will then find a way to get to South America, and to avoid Colombia. We should be back in Spring 2009.
I’m keeping on blogging, of course — what else do you expect? You will get the full story on Panamá tomorrow… meanwhile, we have to go to some embassies to beg for visas. That’s the problem with last minute decisions…
Próxima Estación: Esperanza…?
Enjoy your vacations Zhu!
How exciting!!!!! So happy for you :-))) Keep us posted, will you?
Oh my god! That’s crazy! What made you decide for such a adventure? I can’t read to read about your travel in South America. That will be crazy!
Both of you will quit your job and sell your house?
I meant I can’t wait to read…
Wow! Sounds fantastic.
Enjoy your freedom and your travels!
Btw, is there any chance you can pick me up in Miami before you head to South America?? 😉
Zhu – I envy you the freedom to be able to drop and go like that. How exciting and liberating! I am eager to read about your adventures.
I read in Elleona’s blog that the teachers are on strike tomorrow – again. You were right about the French. Well, it’s another kind of freedom I suppose.
Have a nice life. Your gentleman friend.
You will be back in spring 2009? That’s a long break! Do share your stories when you are on the road 🙂
Wow… traveling till spring 2009! Lucky you… Bon voyage! Take care !
Wow! Buen viaje!!! Enjoy and let us know about your adventures ^^
Excellent! If I didn’t have special needs cats, I would be doing the same. It’s bloody cold right now, so I’m heading west to where precipitation doesn’t require a shovel. I can handle rain.
Can I ask u a question?
Why are u trying to avoid Colombia?
OOoohh…. Central America! What an exotic region to visit. be sure to post lotsa photos, dear!
“Próxima Estación: Esperanza…?”
Do let me guess this with my lousy Spanish basics: Next station: hope?
How exciting – I look forward to all the stories!
Wow, cool! I guess I’ll have to get some excitement vicariously through reading your blog, since the most interesting place we go is to visit my in-laws. Have fun…and tell us all about it. 🙂
@Guillermo – I have this feeling it’s gonna be more than vacations… 😉
@Agnes – I most definitely will. I just can’t stop blogging, this was established long time ago 😆
@Bluefish – We are both quitting but we don’t have a house to sell 😉 Basically, we traveled a lot before and we miss it, Nothing is really holding us back so…
@johnada – How is little Esme?
@Scarlet – To be honest, we almost flew through Miami and I thought of you, but the ticket was much more expensive… lo siento!
@Bill Miller – I like my travel freedom more than the strike freedom 😉 After all, nothing is holding us back in Canada, so may as well enjoy!
@Khengsiong – I will, I promise. I’m not taking my computer but I will find a way to post, for sure.
@Sidney – Thank you!
@Aiglee – Thanks! I really have to have my Spanish back now…
@Gail at Large – I totally understand. I just can’t stand the darkness (sunset at 5pm!) and the cold.
@Juan Rojas – Nothing personal, I’d love to go. But from Panama, the only way by land is through the Darien Gap and this is NOT a good idea, because well, it’s very dangerous.
Last time we went to Central and South America, we really wanted to go to Colombia and some cities look really nice and safe. WE considered flying to Bogota. But taking the bus across the country (which is what we do for all countries, we are land travelers) may be dangerous. That said, if you have some info, we may consider it!
@kyh – Yes, good translation! 😉
@Caroline – Oh, there are gonna be stories… the usual travel thing!
@Mother Theresa – Well, my own in-laws visit us so we don’t even get to go (r say no).
Hi Zhu,
I was thinking u have som back experiences there.. so that’s de reasson i was asking u…
Since Im Colombian (O colombiano como diriamos en Español) i can give u some really nice place to check back in my home country (I landed in Canada last month)…
What kind of places u like to see (i mean in Colombia we have mountains, coast, etc…)
I´ve started reading your post (since looks a very good guide for a new guy in Town (i live in Gatineau)…
Have a good trip…
It sounds very exciting! I wish I had the option of just packing up and going traveling at virtually a moments notice.
Good for you! Sounds like a great trip. Oh, and please send me a South American blog if you come across one on your travels 🙂
Hey Zhu!
Lovely! I will (gladly) miss some of Canadian winter too!
Have a safe trip. Keep blogging and South America will be lovely!
Wow! Thats a great escape!
Any plans for NY? Plz say yes………………
Wish you Good luck on visa and Best wishes for your journey 🙂
Keep us posted! Enjoy!
Cool. I was in Colombia and Panama last year, as I commented on your other post. I had a great time, yet I was intimidated by all the heavy security measures and the constant presence of the police and military forces in Bogota.
I hope you have a great time in Latin America. Are you planning to go all the way to Chile and Argentina? Now that would be cool!
Oh wow! Travel bug! Out here the weather is a bit more mellow.. Wishing you luck with all of your travels.
Ah, this is the escape you were telling me about! Enjoy!
Awww you’re going to miss the snow and healthy temperatures, I just know it 🙂
@Juan Rojas – Thanks for offering advices! Y benvenido en Canada 😉 I’ll write you an email.
@SilverNeurotic – Well, I just quit and withdraw my money at the bank, it’s just an impulsive move.
@Liz – No problem, I’ll keep an eye open.
@Priyank – Lucky you, traveling… again!
@Annie – No… 🙁 I actually though of you and we almost bought a NY – San Jose flight. But because of the flight schedule, we would have had to spend two days in NY. Problem: we don’t want to carry warm clothes, and freezing in NY for two days didn’t sound great. I will make it another time!
@Gabriel – Yes, we do 😉 I was in Argentina/ Chile/ Brazil in 2002 and I loved it. Although we arrived in Buenos Aires in the middle of the peso crisis, people were so nice…
@expatraveler – Just can’t take another winterm let’s put it like that.
@Linguist-in-Waiting – Yep!
@Froggywoogie – I know, I’m heart-broken 😆
Wow! More travels. How lovely! All the best, and enjoy!
Hey Zhu,
Not done! Why need warm clothes when you could have borrowed from me for couple of days and you would not have to worry about stay………..of course you are welcome anytime 🙂
I hope better luck next time! Have a lovely and warm winter 🙂
Oh, I wish I could go travelling too!! I will live vicariously through you and read all your blog posts.
You really are a globetrotter and your plans sounds exciting. I’ve never been there, but are glad you promised to keep on blogging course then I can follow you wherever you go?
How about visiting us in Norway the next time you get the urge of seeing new places? 🙂